Walgreens kicks off nationwide safe medication-disposal program

Walgreens said the program is designed to protect public safety, as well as ease the concern of parents that fear children and teens can access unused medications at home. The company has kicked off this program with the help of Sharps Compliance, a leading full-service provider of cost-effective management solutions for medical waste and unused dispensed medications, which estimated that more than 200 million lbs. of unused dispensed medications are disposed of improperly each year.

How it works: For $2.99, customers can purchase a specially designed envelope -- postage cost included -- available at any Walgreens pharmacy counter that allows them to place, seal and mail prescription or over-the-counter medications they no longer use for safe, eco-friendly disposal. Controlled substances are excluded from the program, Walgreens said.

“In thousands of communities, Walgreens serves as the most accessible source of everyday health information,” said Walgreens VP pharmacy operations Richard Ashworth. “That makes us a natural choice for guidance on anything involving medications, including proper disposal. Through this program, we can do our part to keep expired or unused medications out of waterways and out of the hands of those who could be accidentally harmed.”